Abstract: A circulating water preparation system for cooling plants, a cooling system, in particular a recooling system, and a method for operating such a cooling system. In such a cooling system a surface of a heat exchanger is cooled by wetting with water, the water is collected in a collecting tank and returned by means of a water circuit for the renewed wetting of the surface of the heat exchanger. The method is characterised in that the water is purified by means of a filter, in particular a membrane filter. As a result considerably less biocide is needed to keep the water free of germs, in particular legionella, compared to conventional cooling systems or methods for operating such cooling systems.

Abstract: A retractable propeller driven pedal system for assembly onto a watercraft is disclosed. The retractable propeller driven pedal system converts an input from a user into a motive force for propelling the watercraft. The system comprises (i) an elongated drive unit having a distal end and a proximal end which comprises a head unit having at least two head unit grooves; (ii) a propeller arm which has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end has two circular openings positioned to connect with head unit and the circular openings each have an extension with an aperture configured to receive a latch. The proximal end of the drive unit and proximal end of the propeller arm attach to form an articulation center which pivots around a first pivot point.

Abstract: Provided herein are computer-based systems, software, and methods of using the same including a daily patient questionnaire, the questionnaire comprising: a question for determining whether the patient avoided solid food; a question for determining whether the patient had difficulty swallowing solid food; a question for determining what action the patient took to correct or relieve difficulty swallowing food; a question for determining the amount of pain the patient experienced while swallowing food; and a software module configured to apply an algorithm to answers to one or more of said questions to determine a score, wherein said score illustrates one or more selected from the group consisting of: (1) severity, intensity, or frequency of patient dysphagia; (2) suitability of a patient for a particular diagnostic tool, diagnostic method, or therapy for dysphagia; and (3) efficacy of a particular therapy for dysphagia.

Abstract: Provided herein are computer-based systems, software, and methods of using the same including a daily patient questionnaire, the questionnaire comprising: a question for determining whether the patient avoided solid food; a question for determining whether the patient had difficulty swallowing solid food; a question for determining what action the patient took to correct or relieve difficulty swallowing food; a question for determining the amount of pain the patient experienced while swallowing food; and a software module configured to apply an algorithm to answers to one or more of said questions to determine a score, wherein said score illustrates one or more selected from the group consisting of: (1) severity, intensity, or frequency of patient dysphagia; (2) suitability of a patient for a particular diagnostic tool, diagnostic method, or therapy for dysphagia; and (3) efficacy of a particular therapy for dysphagia.

Abstract: A watercraft carrier having a cradle shaped base member and a center support bracket pivotally connected to the base member in a releasably locking manner by at least two lockable pivotal positioning assemblies. The lockable pivotal positioning assemblies featuring interlocking hubs having interlocking gear teeth and gear groves. The lockable pivotal positioning assemblies enabling the center support bracket to be locked at any number of angular positions relative the base member.

Abstract: A multi-position seat for a kayak or other watercraft includes a seat frame and a pivotally connected back support. A pair of side elevation adjusters engages the seat frame on its lateral sides. Each adjuster includes a thumbwheel adjuster within an elevator traveler within a side frame, the traveler engaging a threaded shaft that is held in a fixed rotational position. The frame includes a tunnel structure associated with a front cross member. A strap passes through the tunnel, exits at lateral sides of the front cross member, and connects to lateral sides of the pivotally connected back support. The strap is user-adjustable in length so that the angle of the back to the seat is adjustable. The seat is thereby adjustable in angle front-to-back, can be canted left-to-right, changed in elevation, and the back support can be adjusted in angle and elevation.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier having an elongated shaft with a splined profile along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of rotatable members removably mounted to the shaft and a plurality of collar assemblies removably mounted to the shaft. The plurality of members feature a first member having at least one arm with an aperture defined by an edge having a grooved profile in cross-section that is suitable for mating with the portion of the shaft having the splined profile. The plurality of members also having additional members that are suitable for rotating about the splined portion of the shaft. The plurality of members having a plurality of interlocking teeth that facilitate in securing the members together at the desired angular relationship.

Abstract: A multi-position seat for a kayak or other watercraft includes a seat frame and a pivotally connected back support. A pair of side elevation adjusters engages the seat frame on its lateral sides. Each adjuster includes a thumbwheel adjuster within an elevator traveler within a side frame, the traveler engaging a threaded shaft that is held in a fixed rotational position. The frame includes a tunnel structure associated with a front cross member. A strap passes through the tunnel, exits at lateral sides of the front cross member, and connects to lateral sides of the pivotally connected back support. The strap is user-adjustable in length so that the angle of the back to the seat is adjustable. The seat is thereby adjustable in angle front-to-back, can be canted left-to-right, changed in elevation, and the back support can be adjusted in angle and elevation.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier having an elongated shaft with a splined profile along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of rotatable members removably mounted to the shaft and a plurality of collar assemblies removably mounted to the shaft. The plurality of members feature a first member having at least one arm with an aperture defined by an edge having a grooved profile in cross-section that is suitable for mating with the portion of the shaft having the splined profile. The plurality of members also having additional members that are suitable for rotating about the splined portion of the shaft. The plurality of members having a plurality of interlocking teeth that facilitate in securing the members together at the desired angular relationship.

Abstract: An anti-sway bicycle mount is provided. The bicycle mount includes a trough section, a collar section disposed adjacent to the trough section, a neck section disposed adjacent to the collar section, opposite the trough section, and a channel section disposed adjacent to the neck section, opposite the collar section. The trough section is adapted to receive a crossbar of a bicycle, the collar section is adapted to receive a support arm of a bicycle carrier, and the channel section is adapted to receive a tube member of the bicycle. The neck section facilitates forward and back motion of the channel section while restricting side to side movement of the channel section.

Abstract: A valve for use in combination with a self-bailing hole of a watercraft includes a flange, a skirt, a valve member, a retention member, and a base member. The flange has a central aperture opening into a hollow interior of the skirt. The hollow interior contains the valve member, which is movable between a sealed configuration preventing fluid flow through the valve and an unsealed configuration allowing fluid flow through the valve. One end of the skirt is secured to the flange, while the other end of the skirt has an opening larger than the central aperture of the flange. The retention member prevents the valve member from exiting the hollow interior of the skirt in the unsealed configuration, while the base member is used to secure the valve within the self-bailing hole of the watercraft.

Abstract: A folding table includes two tabletop halves pivotally joined together at an axle, with one or more legs connected to each half. A transport member, such as a wheel is mounted on the axle. To transform the table from an “in-use” condition to a “transport” condition, the legs are collapsed to seat adjacent to the underside of the associated tabletop half. The tabletop halves are then pivoted toward each other until the undersides are in facing relationship to each other. So pivoting the tabletop halves exposes the transport member, which can be positioned against the ground to roll or slide the table to a different location.

Abstract: An anti-sway bicycle mount is provided. The bicycle mount includes a trough section, a collar section disposed adjacent to the trough section, a neck section disposed adjacent to the collar section, opposite the trough section, and a channel section disposed adjacent to the neck section, opposite the collar section. The trough section is adapted to receive a crossbar of a bicycle, the collar section is adapted to receive a support arm of a bicycle carrier, and the channel section is adapted to receive a tube member of the bicycle. The neck section facilitates forward and back motion of the channel section while restricting side to side movement of the channel section.

Abstract: A watercraft carrier having a cradle shaped base member and a center support bracket pivotally connected to the base member in a releasably locking manner by at least two lockable pivotal positioning assemblies. The lockable pivotal positioning assemblies featuring interlocking hubs having interlocking gear teeth and gear groves. The lockable pivotal positioning assemblies enabling the center support bracket to be locked at any number of angular positions relative the base member.